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Standing outside the Guardian Angels’ training center in Washington Heights, Curtis Sliwa, who started the group in 1979, said the early years of the organizations weren’t easy. The Angels were on the receiving end of a lot of backlash from police and city officials, he said.
“We’re not mercenaries,” he said. “This center is here. People who train here will patrol here, are from here. They’re taking responsibility for the community.”
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Photo Credit: Craig Ruttle -
Photo Credit: Craig Ruttle -
After taking off from the training center, members of the Guardian Angels patrol in Washington Heights. The group winds in and out of tunnels, subway stations and dimly lit underpasses. A man emerges from the shadows and the group eyes him suspiciously. But after he lights a cigarette, the Guardian Angels decide to move on, making their way under the mammoth bridge.
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Photo Credit: Craig Ruttle -
Photo Credit: Craig Ruttle -
The members of the Washington Heights Guardian Angels patrol group climbs into a tunnel, where the smell of marijuana was overwhelming. As they emerge on the other side, several point out that someone had just run out, and would likely run back in as soon as the group passed.
The group starts off toward an unlit dirt path that leads to the Hudson River.
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Photo Credit: Craig Ruttle -
Guardian Angels member and trainer Dennis Torres passes many people during his patrols, often handing out cards and inviting children to participate in free martial arts training. The group tries to recruit for the Junior Guardian Angels program.
Before rounding 181st Street, Torres hands his card to a woman with young children.
“I’ve been praying for this,” the woman says.
Torres is quick with his reply: “We’re the Guardian Angels.”
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Photo Credit: Craig Ruttle -
Photo Credit: Craig Ruttle -
Sliwa starts patrol in Central Park by climbing off the well-trafficked road and onto dirt paths. The group pulls their flashlights out, the only way to ensure they don’t step on protruding tree roots or rocks.
A police car sits nearby, but is not visible from the dark paths.
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Photo Credit: Craig Ruttle -
Sliwa comes across an area he says is the site of several muggings. Unlike the rest of the path, it is lit by a nearby NYPD portable light unit. A pair of officers come by on mopeds, greeting Sliwa before driving off.
Moments later, the group spots a couple perched on a rock. They spring into action, asking the woman if she’s okay and asking if they can take a photo of the pair — in case there’s an issue later. The couple agree.
” data-id=”110905743″ data-link=”https://amnewyork.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/21649_image.jpg” class=”wp-image-1.10905743″/>Photo Credit: Craig Ruttle -
Photo Credit: Craig Ruttle
More than 30 years after Curtis Sliwa formed the Guardian Angels, the group still patrols in New York City each night.
The small but dedicated group walks some of the city’s toughest neighborhoods in an effort to deter crime. On August 25, amNewYork followed along on a patrol through Washington Heights and Central Park, which was recently added to their daily routine, witnessing firsthand the personal interactions that inevitably occur when someone notices those red berets and jackets.
